The Asociación Taurina Riosecana raised more than 10.000 euros during its fourteenth annual charity bullfighting event, or becerrada, held this past Saturday in Medina de Rioseco. The funds were donated to support five-year-old Mara San José, a resident of Wamba diagnosed with Batten disease (CLN1), an ultra-rare and currently incurable neurodegenerative condition.
How the Charity Event Supported Medical Research
The event, hosted at the historic Plaza de Toros del Carmen, drew significant community participation, including a collaborative effort with the Asociación Cultural Taurina de Wamba. According to the organizers, the more than 10.000 euros collected will assist the family in managing the care of their daughter, who suffers from the life-limiting CLN1 mutation.
The becerrada featured amateur local bullfighters, including Marcos Sánchez "El Chusky," Álvaro San José "El Zapa JR," and Pedro Pérez Conde "El Siete," who served as the substitute. The spectacle focused on entertainment and altruism, featuring three calves from the ranch of César de Castro Manrique. The event was conducted without the death of the animals.
Honoring Community History and Traditions
The day began with a tribute to three figures associated with the local bullfighting community who have passed away: Vicente Ballesteros "Barrita," Jesús Cid "El Almirante," and Ángel García "Junquerillo." A special memorial was held for García, the first member of the Asociación Taurina Riosecana to pass away, with a presentation of a replica of the bullring to his family.
The performance also included the Cómicos Taurinos Riosecanos, who presented a comedic show themed around football, featuring various sketches and audience participation. Wenceslao Berrocal presided over the event, which featured the local municipal band. This year marked a change in commentary for the event, as Guillermo Martín took over for journalist José Ángel Gallego, who had provided commentary for the previous 13 years.
Impact of the Annual Becerrada
Since the inception of the charity initiative, the Asociación Taurina Riosecana has raised more than 100.000 euros for various social causes. Previous beneficiaries include:
- Medical and Health Causes: Support for patients suffering from cancer, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as individual assistance for children like Julia Ruiz.
- Humanitarian Aid: Contributions to Cáritas, the Red Cross, and efforts supporting refugees from Ukraine.
- Cultural and Social Projects: Donations to Protemplos and the Asociación Campanilla.
Silvia Palencia, treasurer of the Asociación Taurina Riosecana, noted that the event’s success relies on the consistency of the more than 30 volunteers who participate altruistically each year. The event concluded with a raffle of items donated by local businesses in Medina de Rioseco to further bolster the fundraising total.